New 26.7 mile Dublin Mountains trail opens

Irish people living in Dublin looking to spend a day in the country don't have to travel very far now.

Thanks to a volunteer project, The Dublin Mountains Partnership, more than 26 miles of walking trails have been opened in the Dublin Mountains this week.

20 years in the making, the trail begins at Brady's Pub in Shankill's main street and ends near the Luas train at Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght.

It took more than 300 volunteers down through the years to complete the project.

Although the route, which offers breathtaking views of the city as it winds around many lakes and parklands, is very suitable for "serious walkers," it is also caters for family strolls on Sunday's and joggers wishing to stay in shape.

The Dublin Mountains Partnership is made up of various organizations including Coillte, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Dublin Mountains Initiative.

David Gunning, chief executive of Coillte, said the trail was a wonderful amenity for people of all ages.

"The Dublin Mountains Way provides a challenging long-distance hike for the serious walker, and lovely, shorter, day walks for families and casual walkers," he said.

Dublin Lord Mayor Gerry Breen said "The completion of the trail shows what can be achieved when diverse groups of people agree to work together," he said.

It is expected serious mountaineers will travel from all corners of Ireland to walk the new trail.